This TIP (“Toward Inclusive Practices”) message from the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity provides information on resources available to help students who have experienced interpersonal violence.
Trigger Warning: Please be advised that the following article contains content related to sexual violence, domestic and dating violence, and stalking, which may be disturbing for some readers.
How to Help Students Impacted by Interpersonal Violence
With the 2021-2022 academic year fully underway, we’d like to remind the Wolfpack community about resources available for students impacted by interpersonal violence (relationship violence, sexual assault or stalking, for example). The NC State Women’s Center has trained advocates who support survivors of interpersonal violence in understanding their options and navigating healing and recovery. Services are available for all NC State students, inclusive of all gender identities, gender expressions and sexual orientations.
Women’s Center Advocates
A Women’s Center advocate can help survivors with:
- understanding their options and rights;
- making referrals to on- and off-campus resources;
- obtaining a restraining order or no-contact order;
- reporting to Title IX and/or police;
- acting as a support person with Title IX and/or police, during court and student conduct hearings, or if/when a survivor receives medical care;
- helping with academic and housing accommodations;
- assisting in identifying coping mechanisms during healing and recovery;
- supporting survivors in creating a safety plan;
- offering financial support to cover expenses related to interpersonal violence.
Due to COVID protocols, students should email ncsuadvocate@ncsu.edu to request an appointment before coming to the Women’s Center to ensure an advocate is available. Appointments can be scheduled for in-person and/or Zoom meetings. If students are in need of immediate support, they can also access services by calling the 24/7 Sexual Assault Helpline at 919.515.4444.
If you would like to talk to a confidential resource, you can also connect with the NC State Counseling Center at 919.515.2423. You may also visit go.ncsu.edu/safe for additional information on resources and reporting options.
We know that this can be a lot to take in, but remember you are not alone. The Women’s Center is here to support you or a friend during a difficult time.
Survivor Fund
Additionally, the Women’s Center has a Survivor Fund, which provides funds for immediate and unforeseen needs that arise as a direct result of a student experiencing interpersonal violence. Funds can be used for (but are not limited to) medical care, counseling/therapy, legal assistance, loss of employment, transportation, relocation, child care, food and other basic needs, and/or technology equipment.
To learn more about the Survivor Fund, visit go.ncsu.edu/supportsurvivors. If you are interested in donating to the Survivor Fund, visit go.ncsu.edu/donatesurvivorfund.
Pack Survivor Support Alliance Program
Are you a faculty or staff member interested in doing more to learn advocacy skills to support student survivors of interpersonal violence? If so, you might want to participate in the Pack Survivor Support Alliance, a program of four workshops that prepare participants to support student survivors.
Information for this TIP was provided by Alexius Pearson, interpersonal violence response coordinator in the Women’s Center.